A project data service ("PDS") shields the database from direct client access by requiring all data requests made by a client to go through the PDS, thereby reducing the risk of losing or corrupting data and limiting inconsistencies caused by third-party add-on applications accessing data in the database. In order to access data stored in a database, a client typically must send a request through the PDS, which can determine if the client has access to the requested data. Then PDS typically retrieves the data from the database and passes the data to the client.